Kefir is a fermented dairy drink that has been consumed for centuries for its potential health benefits. Here at Kerry Kefir, we are excited to see the growing body of research on kefir.
Recent Research on Kefir’s Health Benefits
A recent review article in Nutrition Reviews examined the potential health benefits of kefir, a fermented dairy drink. The authors reviewed 16 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of kefir on a variety of health outcomes, including gut health, immune function, cardiovascular health, and bone health.
Positive Health Effects Linked to Kefir
The authors found that kefir consumption was associated with some positive health effects. For example, kefir consumption was associated with an increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can help to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Kefir was also associated with an increase in the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that helps to protect the body from infection.
The Need for More Research
Despite these findings, the review highlighted the mixed quality of evidence and the necessity for more comprehensive research to solidify these health claims. Some studies in the review were limited by size and duration, and others lacked control for variables that could influence the outcomes.
However, the authors also noted that the quality of the evidence was mixed, and that more research is needed to confirm the health benefits of kefir. For example, some of the RCTs were small and short-term, and some of the studies did not control for other factors that could affect the health outcomes.
Overall, the authors concluded that kefir is a safe and possibly beneficial food, but that more research is needed to confirm its health benefits.
Kerry Kefir’s Commitment to Quality
Kerry Kefir are committed to producing traditional kefir that is high in beneficial bacteria and nutrients. We believe that kefir is a delicious and healthy drink that can benefit people of all ages. We are encouraged by the findings of the review article, which suggest that kefir may have some potential health benefits.
Looking Forward to Future Research
However, we also recognise that more research is needed to confirm these benefits. We also believe that it is important to be transparent with our customers about the health claims associated with kefir. We do not make any specific health claims about our products. However, we do encourage you to try our traditional kefir and see if you experience any of the potential benefits for yourself!
We are excited to see what the future holds for kefir research. We believe that kefir is a promising food with the potential to improve human health.
References:
Lana Kairey, Bradley Leech, Fatima El-Assaad, Andrea Bugarcic, Drew Dawson, Romy Lauche, The effects of kefir consumption on human health: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, Nutrition Reviews, Volume 81, Issue 3, March 2023, Pages 267–286, https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuac054
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog post is based on the research article reference above and is not to be construed as health claims made by Kerry Kefir. It is important to note that the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has not approved any health claims associated with kefir or probiotics.
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